July 28, 2006
Each Friday I write about the sport I love, college basketball …
• Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams. He is still a fiery competitor at age 61 and, in my book, a future Hall of Famer. When you listen to him, you hear his love and passion for coaching and it echoes in every word … he just loves to teach and coach.
Williams feels this edition of Maryland basketball will bounce back after consecutive seasons out of the big dance, and he has several reasons to be confident. There's the return of Ekene Ibekwe and D.J. Strawberry. The Terps also have two diaper dandies arriving to help in the backcourt, Eric Hayes and Greivis Vasquez. I can see Maryland in the thick of things in the ACC, battling for first-division honors. A trip to the league's upper echelon means a visit back to the big dance. I see the Terps getting into the field of 65.
• Staying in the ACC, keep an eye out for Virginia Tech, and I am not talking about the pigskin, baby! Under coach Seth Greenberg, the Hokies will respond and create many problems for league opponents. He has a lot of returning talent and it was heartbreak hotel last season (12 losses by six points or less). With Zabian Dowdell, Coleman Collins, Jamon Gordon and Deron Washington slated to return, the Hokies will get their share of breaks this season.
• NC State fans should appreciate the passion and love new coach Sidney Lowe possesses for his alma mater. He starred along with backcourt mate Derreck Whittenberg in leading the Wolfpack to the 1983 national championship, helping Jimmy Valvano enjoy the dream of a title. Those smiles are beautiful but the NC State program needs to add talent. It was a tough blow when Cedric Simmons entered the NBA draft early; he could have been a dominator down low. Now word is forward Andrew Brackman may concentrate solely on baseball and leave the hoops team. That would take them down another notch. Lowe will sell recruits on his NBA experience, and his love for NC State. With his smile, energy and enthusiasm, that will go a long way in bringing kids to Raleigh.
• Something tells me the Pac-10 is in for a big treat with several new faces having an immediate impact. At Arizona, Lute Olson is thrilled to welcome Chase Budinger. According to many, Budinger will be one of the premier newcomers to ever wear the Wildcats uniform and that is saying a lot. Think about what Sean Elliott and Mike Bibby meant as newcomers.
Washington is excited to have Spencer Hawes coming in; coach Lorenzo Romar saw the potential of the big man recently in international play as the coach of the under-18 squad which won a gold medal. The Huskies are a solid year-to-year program and not just a one-hit wonder.
• Last week I mentioned Laval Lucas-Perry's decision to go to Arizona. Well, a number of Big Ten schools, including Michigan and Michigan State were left disappointed. Trust me when I tell you he comes from great stock -- his dad Laval is as mentally tough as they come. This kid has a great background at home and he won't have any problems off the court. In fact, he'll have a chip on his shoulder because he wants or prove he should have been rated higher by experts. Olson got himself a gem.
• Congratulations to UCLA coach Ben Howland on his new deal. Howland has done a super job everywhere he has been a Division I head coach, bringing Northern Arizona up, then Pittsburgh and now the Bruins. He did receive some bad news when guard Arron Afflalo suffered a foot injury that should keep him sidelined through the summer, but he should be ready for the start of the season when it really counts.
• Down at Syracuse, get ready for a banner year in recruiting. The class of 2007 will be unbelievable. The group that has verbally committed includes 6-foot-8-inch Donte Green out of Baltimore, considered to be one of the elite prospects. Jimmy Boeheim hit a home run getting Green, and it probably helped to have Carmelo Anthony from that same area going to the Orange.
• Speaking of Boeheim, he is a member of an elite group, one of just 12 active coaches who has won national championships. Just to show you how hard it is to do, the list includes: Billy Donovan, Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight, Jim Calhoun, Tom Izzo, Gary Williams, Roy Williams, Tubby Smith, Rick Pitino, Lute Olson and Steve Fisher.
• When talking about evaluations of recruiting, you have to realize that it is not an easy thing to do. I know that some talk radio people feel that when you have Duke, North Carolina, Kansas or UCLA on the front of the jersey it is easier. Forget about it! You have to be selective in your analysis of potential players. It is difficult to determine whether a player will fit your system and whether he deserves a scholarship. Guys like Coach K and Roy Williams still have to be very analytical.
• It has been a real learning experience for Greg Oden, even following his wrist surgery. He is still part of the USA basketball camp. This will pay big dividends in the long run for the big man and the Buckeyes. Being around the best players in the game and a coaching staff led by Krzyzewski will help this young man. He will get to see film and share insights on the game from the highest level. This is a special young man mentally and athletically. Having spent a little time with him, he will be a big-time winner in Columbus.
• Dartmouth won six games last season. Coach Terry Dunn is not afraid to take on challenges; just look at his tentative schedule. In a span of under three weeks, the Big Green is scheduled to visit Travis Ford's improved Massachusetts squad, George Washington and Kansas! Wow, that is tough sledding, baby!
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
